Name: Tom Mackenzie
Age: 18 (1937) at the beginning, but changes every diary entry
Gender: Male
Occupation: A soldier in the Canadian army (CFB)
Appearance: Has blue eyes, white skin, and a tall body. Has a fierce determined face, and he is very muscular. He can be described as an ideal soldier.
Location: Winnipeg, Canada. Later goes to Hong Kong to fight.
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Because he grew up without a father and with a sick mother, he is independent. When a hard task is given to him, he works hard to overcome it. Tom might be stubborn in times and he might look a bit scary, but he is actually a caring person. For his family, he is willing to do anything he can do.
Family: Tom's dad died when he was young, and has a sick mother. He grew up with three younger brothers that he loves very much. His brothers are in 3rd grade (Jim), 7th grade (Peter), and in 10th grade (George).
Education: Tom Mackenzie only had high school education. After his education, he did not go into college. Instead, he volunteered for the CFB to serve his country and to serve his cause.
Languages you speak: English, but later learn a little bit of Chinese
Your main concerns at this time and in life: At the beginning, Tom Mackenzie is concerned about keeping the entire family alive. Because he doesn't have a father, it was his duty to feed his family members. But later on, his concern changes to being alive, and returning safely home to his family.
Portrait (an image that you and we can live with):
Diary 1: Gene Lee
Diary 1
1937, December 29
I met Charles (Gene) today. He came to Winnipeg to visit me from Miami, Florida. Our fathers have been good friends, and I have known him since I was 10 years old. Charles is one year younger than me, and he was like a little brother to me. Whenever we meet, we talk a lot. For hours and hours, we talk about out lives, current events, and the upcoming future. I noticed today that Charles grew up to be a real man. He became much more mature, and he no longer seemed like the little brother I used to know.
I must say that Charles changed the course of my life today. While I was having lunch with Charles, we talked about what happened in Nanjing. Japan invaded China, and massacred thousands of civilians in Nanjing. We both knew that the second world war was about to occur. And I knew that Canada was about to get involved in it. I decided to join the army. This thought did not come to me spontaneously. At first, I felt like I had to do something. The Japanese were about to destroy the peace of the world.
The peace that my father died for during the World War I. The Japanese even shot down the U.S. gunboat, Panay near China. I was not going lie on my bed and do nothing. I had to help my country, and my father would have expected me to do the same thing as he did. And as we talked more and more about war ,destruction, and the dark future that was about to face us, my thought of joining the army grew.
Charles wanted to stop me from joining the army. He said that he did not want to lose me. He also said that my family could not live without me. After all, it was I who was feeding my family. But I believed in George. He grew a lot. He was strong. And I knew he would be able to support the family. When I made my decision to join the army, I saw it in Gene's eyes: he too, was thinking of joining the army. I was able to see it in his eyes. But it was he who should not go out fighting the Japanese. He has a happy family. A mother, a father, and a lovely sister whom I once fell in love with. Charles' family is not ready to lose him. I told him to study. I told him to become educated. I told him to be a leader, a strong leader that would stop wars and promote peace. But somehow, I fear that he will eventually join the army.
I gave him a nice good bye hug at 4 o clock. He had to go to Miami tomorrow. This might be our last meeting. We might not be able to meet each other. I knew it, and Charles knew it too. But it was time that we went our separate ways and fulfill our destiny. I turned my back, wishing dearly to see him again.
Diary 2
1941, December 8th
The Japanese have finally done it. They invaded Hong Kong, which is currently the territory of Great Britain. And the Canadians have to go fight for it. All of these invasions, battles, wars... If one happens, it brings all the others into it. And as a result, thousands of innocent lives are taken away. I think those idiots really want to destroy peace. How many more must die before these wars stop once and for all?
This day, December 8th, is also the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I feel terror. Who knows what the Japanese are going to do next? Who knows what the Japanese are thinking right now. Canada could be the next place to be bombed. Winnipeg might be the place, and my family might die. Therefore, I must fight the Japanese, and make them surrender.
I am currently going to Hong Kong to prevent the Japanese from capturing the place. As one of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and as the first Canadians to fight, I will stop the Japs from taking over Hong Kong. This reminds me of William Cameron II (Jacob)who is a British officer. Back in 1937, when I joined the army, we mailed each other. He tried to keep me motivated to fight, and I also tried to keep my self motivated. When I first joined the military, the training was hard. Too hard for me back then. But William kept me motivated. Every time he talked about the Japanese. The war. the deaths of the innocent people and kept me going. And he surely did know my feelings well--I guess that is because he once had this hard training that I was having. I was not able to hear from him since the summer of 1940. It looked like my mails weren't reaching him, and his mails weren't reaching me. I really thank him for what he has done for me. If it wasn't for William, the Tom here would not exist.
After we land in Hong Kong, we were ordered to go to this factory. I heard it was a critical point. If we lose the factory, we lose Hong Kong, and if we success in defending the factory, the tide of war turns to us. This might be the last journal I write. I might be lucky enough to live. But the odds do not favor me. The Japanese should know. As they invade more, and kill more people, the people would resist more. Since 1937, I feel my emotions changing. My hatred of Japanese has been growing every second, and the devotion to establishing peace is growing. It would be nice to see George and Peter and Jim again. And I also hope my mom got better. If I die in Hong Kong, I die for a noble cause.
Diary 3
1941, December 27th
So, I was at Hong Kong fighting. As planned, we were sent to the factory. We were in danger of losing the factory that we had to protect. So our commander made up a new plan. My platoon was to flank the Japanese from the right while the rest of the squadron attacked the Japanese at front. And the 4th platoon was going to flank the Japanese from the left. While this was happening, the 5th platoon had to go through the bushes, sneak up to the Japanese, and surround them. But while we were sneaking up, a Japanese soldier who came out of his base to go to the bathroom saw us. Although we managed to kill him, it looked as if he notified the rest of the army. So shortly after, we had to face the Japanese that outnumbered us five to one.
As it turns out, the Japanese were planning a similar mission. Our commander told us that reinforcement cannot be sent through the radio; the Japanese made their move first, and our base was the on under attack. An order to fall out was immediately made, and we ran. I was lucky enough to make it out of that point. While I was running away, I saw the Japanese burst opening the factory door. Yes, they were capturing the factory. While all the people were running away, I saw this guy (Annie) that was slower than others. I could not just ignore him. I ran, grabbed his hand, and tried to escape.
The backdoor was near. We were running as fast as we could. Then, the backdoor opened. The Japanese came in, grabbed us both, and took us away. We were disarmed, taken away to this Japanese. He looked like a naval admiral (Emily). I was furious. I was not able to believe the fact that we lost Hong Kong. This seemed like a certain victory for us. But the fact that I was alive meant that I had a second chance. But this ugly filthy monkey face was keep talking in Japanese in front of my face. I felt disgust, and spat at that naval admiral. I swore. They seemed to understand. That was the last thing I remember: they hit me in the head, and everything went pitch black.
Diary 4
Dec. 30, 1941
After I was knocked out, I noticed that I was on a ship. I woke up few hours ago -- that Japanese soldier must have hit me hard. And I was able to feel the pain in my head. I did not know where I was going. I wanted to ask the guards, but I didn't know how to speak Japanese. I was locked in a dark room. At the moment when I was trying to give up, I noticed that there were more people in the room. I saw a middle aged Chinese man. And luckily, I was able to communicate with him: I learned a bit of Chinese before I cam to Hong Kong. His name was Li Feng (Nancy). He told me that we were going to Japan. Apparently, some were going to get sold, and some were going to prison. A sudden fear struck through me. I might die in Japan, and I would never be able to see my friends and family again.
But few facts gave me hope. I knew that the Americans would not stop attacking Japan, and I knew that Japan would not be able to win the war. People like me were fighting for a cause, and there was no way that the Japanese would understand that. The Japanese were enjoying their 100 days of victory. And now it was time for them to fall.
After a short period of time, I arrived in Japan. I was immediately separated from Li Feng and the others who were in the ship with me. Right after I set my foot off the ship, I was shoved in a car, and was knocked out again. This time, it hurt. The soldier did not hit me hard, so he had to hit me twice. I woke up in a cell again. In the cell, there were many prisoners, mostly Canadian and Americans. I did not know anybody in the cell. When I was in dispair, an American named Zack approached me. He told me that the Japanese will fall soon, and that their days of victories are over. As it turns out, the Americans were performing the hopping attack against the Japanese. I do not remember anything beyond that point. I was filled with joy. Finally, justice was acting upon Japan's unforgivable deeds. I knew that the Americans would beat the crap out of the Japanese. I just knew it. And this also meant no more people had to be sacrificed in the blades of war. Most of all, it meant that I was able to meet my family and Charles again. My time until freedom will be filled with excitement.
Age: 18 (1937) at the beginning, but changes every diary entry
Gender: Male
Occupation: A soldier in the Canadian army (CFB)
Appearance: Has blue eyes, white skin, and a tall body. Has a fierce determined face, and he is very muscular. He can be described as an ideal soldier.
Location: Winnipeg, Canada. Later goes to Hong Kong to fight.
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Because he grew up without a father and with a sick mother, he is independent. When a hard task is given to him, he works hard to overcome it. Tom might be stubborn in times and he might look a bit scary, but he is actually a caring person. For his family, he is willing to do anything he can do.
Family: Tom's dad died when he was young, and has a sick mother. He grew up with three younger brothers that he loves very much. His brothers are in 3rd grade (Jim), 7th grade (Peter), and in 10th grade (George).
Education: Tom Mackenzie only had high school education. After his education, he did not go into college. Instead, he volunteered for the CFB to serve his country and to serve his cause.
Languages you speak: English, but later learn a little bit of Chinese
Your main concerns at this time and in life: At the beginning, Tom Mackenzie is concerned about keeping the entire family alive. Because he doesn't have a father, it was his duty to feed his family members. But later on, his concern changes to being alive, and returning safely home to his family.
Portrait (an image that you and we can live with):
Diary 1: Gene Lee
Diary 1
1937, December 29I met Charles (Gene) today. He came to Winnipeg to visit me from Miami, Florida. Our fathers have been good friends, and I have known him since I was 10 years old. Charles is one year younger than me, and he was like a little brother to me. Whenever we meet, we talk a lot. For hours and hours, we talk about out lives, current events, and the upcoming future. I noticed today that Charles grew up to be a real man. He became much more mature, and he no longer seemed like the little brother I used to know.
I must say that Charles changed the course of my life today. While I was having lunch with Charles, we talked about what happened in Nanjing. Japan invaded China, and massacred thousands of civilians in Nanjing. We both knew that the second world war was about to occur. And I knew that Canada was about to get involved in it. I decided to join the army. This thought did not come to me spontaneously. At first, I felt like I had to do something. The Japanese were about to destroy the peace of the world.
The peace that my father died for during the World War I. The Japanese even shot down the U.S. gunboat, Panay near China. I was not going lie on my bed and do nothing. I had to help my country, and my father would have expected me to do the same thing as he did. And as we talked more and more about war ,destruction, and the dark future that was about to face us, my thought of joining the army grew.
Charles wanted to stop me from joining the army. He said that he did not want to lose me. He also said that my family could not live without me. After all, it was I who was feeding my family. But I believed in George. He grew a lot. He was strong. And I knew he would be able to support the family. When I made my decision to join the army, I saw it in Gene's eyes: he too, was thinking of joining the army. I was able to see it in his eyes. But it was he who should not go out fighting the Japanese. He has a happy family. A mother, a father, and a lovely sister whom I once fell in love with. Charles' family is not ready to lose him. I told him to study. I told him to become educated. I told him to be a leader, a strong leader that would stop wars and promote peace. But somehow, I fear that he will eventually join the army.
I gave him a nice good bye hug at 4 o clock. He had to go to Miami tomorrow. This might be our last meeting. We might not be able to meet each other. I knew it, and Charles knew it too. But it was time that we went our separate ways and fulfill our destiny. I turned my back, wishing dearly to see him again.
Diary 2
1941, December 8thThe Japanese have finally done it. They invaded Hong Kong, which is currently the territory of Great Britain. And the Canadians have to go fight for it. All of these invasions, battles, wars... If one happens, it brings all the others into it. And as a result, thousands of innocent lives are taken away. I think those idiots really want to destroy peace. How many more must die before these wars stop once and for all?
This day, December 8th, is also the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I feel terror. Who knows what the Japanese are going to do next? Who knows what the Japanese are thinking right now. Canada could be the next place to be bombed. Winnipeg might be the place, and my family might die. Therefore, I must fight the Japanese, and make them surrender.
I am currently going to Hong Kong to prevent the Japanese from capturing the place. As one of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and as the first Canadians to fight, I will stop the Japs from taking over Hong Kong. This reminds me of William Cameron II (Jacob)who is a British officer. Back in 1937, when I joined the army, we mailed each other. He tried to keep me motivated to fight, and I also tried to keep my self motivated. When I first joined the military, the training was hard. Too hard for me back then. But William kept me motivated. Every time he talked about the Japanese. The war. the deaths of the innocent people and kept me going. And he surely did know my feelings well--I guess that is because he once had this hard training that I was having. I was not able to hear from him since the summer of 1940. It looked like my mails weren't reaching him, and his mails weren't reaching me. I really thank him for what he has done for me. If it wasn't for William, the Tom here would not exist.
After we land in Hong Kong, we were ordered to go to this factory. I heard it was a critical point. If we lose the factory, we lose Hong Kong, and if we success in defending the factory, the tide of war turns to us. This might be the last journal I write. I might be lucky enough to live. But the odds do not favor me. The Japanese should know. As they invade more, and kill more people, the people would resist more. Since 1937, I feel my emotions changing. My hatred of Japanese has been growing every second, and the devotion to establishing peace is growing. It would be nice to see George and Peter and Jim again. And I also hope my mom got better. If I die in Hong Kong, I die for a noble cause.
Diary 3
1941, December 27thSo, I was at Hong Kong fighting. As planned, we were sent to the factory. We were in danger of losing the factory that we had to protect. So our commander made up a new plan. My platoon was to flank the Japanese from the right while the rest of the squadron attacked the Japanese at front. And the 4th platoon was going to flank the Japanese from the left. While this was happening, the 5th platoon had to go through the bushes, sneak up to the Japanese, and surround them. But while we were sneaking up, a Japanese soldier who came out of his base to go to the bathroom saw us. Although we managed to kill him, it looked as if he notified the rest of the army. So shortly after, we had to face the Japanese that outnumbered us five to one.
As it turns out, the Japanese were planning a similar mission. Our commander told us that reinforcement cannot be sent through the radio; the Japanese made their move first, and our base was the on under attack. An order to fall out was immediately made, and we ran. I was lucky enough to make it out of that point. While I was running away, I saw the Japanese burst opening the factory door. Yes, they were capturing the factory. While all the people were running away, I saw this guy (Annie) that was slower than others. I could not just ignore him. I ran, grabbed his hand, and tried to escape.
The backdoor was near. We were running as fast as we could. Then, the backdoor opened. The Japanese came in, grabbed us both, and took us away. We were disarmed, taken away to this Japanese. He looked like a naval admiral (Emily). I was furious. I was not able to believe the fact that we lost Hong Kong. This seemed like a certain victory for us. But the fact that I was alive meant that I had a second chance. But this ugly filthy monkey face was keep talking in Japanese in front of my face. I felt disgust, and spat at that naval admiral. I swore. They seemed to understand. That was the last thing I remember: they hit me in the head, and everything went pitch black.
Diary 4
Dec. 30, 1941After I was knocked out, I noticed that I was on a ship. I woke up few hours ago -- that Japanese soldier must have hit me hard. And I was able to feel the pain in my head. I did not know where I was going. I wanted to ask the guards, but I didn't know how to speak Japanese. I was locked in a dark room. At the moment when I was trying to give up, I noticed that there were more people in the room. I saw a middle aged Chinese man. And luckily, I was able to communicate with him: I learned a bit of Chinese before I cam to Hong Kong. His name was Li Feng (Nancy). He told me that we were going to Japan. Apparently, some were going to get sold, and some were going to prison. A sudden fear struck through me. I might die in Japan, and I would never be able to see my friends and family again.
But few facts gave me hope. I knew that the Americans would not stop attacking Japan, and I knew that Japan would not be able to win the war. People like me were fighting for a cause, and there was no way that the Japanese would understand that. The Japanese were enjoying their 100 days of victory. And now it was time for them to fall.
After a short period of time, I arrived in Japan. I was immediately separated from Li Feng and the others who were in the ship with me. Right after I set my foot off the ship, I was shoved in a car, and was knocked out again. This time, it hurt. The soldier did not hit me hard, so he had to hit me twice. I woke up in a cell again. In the cell, there were many prisoners, mostly Canadian and Americans. I did not know anybody in the cell. When I was in dispair, an American named Zack approached me. He told me that the Japanese will fall soon, and that their days of victories are over. As it turns out, the Americans were performing the hopping attack against the Japanese. I do not remember anything beyond that point. I was filled with joy. Finally, justice was acting upon Japan's unforgivable deeds. I knew that the Americans would beat the crap out of the Japanese. I just knew it. And this also meant no more people had to be sacrificed in the blades of war. Most of all, it meant that I was able to meet my family and Charles again. My time until freedom will be filled with excitement.